The Bills did a lot of quality work in free agency, but they need to add an impact player in the first round of the draft to grab control of the AFC East.
Tom Brady’s decision to leave the Patriots gives the Bills a golden opportunity to seize the AFC East crown. Grabbing a quality starter in the first round of April’s draft would give Sean McDermott and his staff an even greater chance of ending New England’s dominance.
In fairness to Buffalo’s front office, they’ve done a lot of work to strengthen their roster already. Trading for Stefon Diggs gives Josh Allen the No. 1 wide receiver he’s lacked during his NFL career. Bringing Vernon Butler and Mario Addison over from the Panthers will give the Bills a lot more punch along their defensive front.
The roster isn’t perfect though. Josh Norman is currently slated to be a starter at cornerback and that’s a recipe for disaster. Devin Singletary isn’t built to carry the load at running back. Allen could also benefit from improved protection from his offensive line.
All of that makes it tricky to project Buffalo’s first round pick. It should come down to one of the following five players.
5. Austin Jackson
Re-signing Quinton Spain solidifies the Bills’ options at guard, but they could certainly benefit from adding a young tackle to their current options on the edge. If Jackson slips all the way down to No. 22, Buffalo could end his slide.
The odds are against the former Southern Cal star dropping that far, but it’s not impossible. He’s got the talent to grow into a quality starter, but he will require patience from the team that selects him. Grabbing a potential starter at left tackle in the 20s is great value. Jackson would be a good choice for Buffalo to help keep Allen healthy.